Values & Vision Development:
West Gore School has been through a process of developing a set of values or deeply held beliefs about what is important. "Every decision relating to curriculum and every interaction that takes place in a school reflects the values of the individuals involved and the collective values of the institution" (NZ Curriculum). The development of our school values has been achieved with the support of educational consultant Julia Aitken. Attached is a summary of the process to develop our school values.

West Gore School - Our Place to Grow - E Kikiri Tatou





West Gore School Curriculum Map:

Through the process of developing our school values and beliefs it became apparant that we needed to develop a different approach to planning curriculum units. By working with consultant Julia Aitken we were able to envision an approach where we utilise 'big ideas' or enduring understandings as the vehicle for delivering the curriculum. The attached curriculum map shows how we have woven the curriculum area's with our values, key competencies (our Ways of Working) and with the big ideas.



West Gore School Ways of Working:

As part of the continued curriculum development we have unpacked the Key Competencies and established the West Gore School Ways of Growing. The Ways of Growing represent the 5 key competencies in child speak and show the aspects of development that we, as a staff, believe are the fundamental stepping stones or 'competencies' to develop. These ways of growing are still being developed and will continue to be critiqued as they become more embedded in classroom programmes and the wider school environment.